Effects and Usefulness of Freudian Analysis in Modern Society Term Paper

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 804 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 0

Page 1 of 3

Freud and Society

Sigmund Freud has had a profound influence on our understanding of contemporary society. It can be argued that Freud's theories and insights have also had a direct effect on shaping modern society itself and determining the way we see ourselves. Freud's theories are also the object of heated debate and criticism and his views of the dynamics of the individual in society are not always agreed upon. While it is undeniable that, to large extent, "Our notions of identity, memory, childhood, sexuality and, most generally, of meaning have been shaped in relation to, and often in opposition to, Freud's work" (Roth. M.), yet these views have also been "hotly contested."

The theory by which Freudian analyses is most commonly known is the "discovery" of the unconscious. In terms of society and sociological analysis the most significant aspect of the idea of the unconscious is the theory of repression. Freud's view that desires which do not accord with societal norms are 'repressed' by the individual, resulting in 'neuroses' is central to the understanding of his views on culture. The theory of repression also resulted in a certain "deterministic "views of the way in which society functions.

Freud saw that society creates mechanisms to ensure social control of human instincts.

Stuck Writing Your "Effects and Usefulness of Freudian Analysis in Modern Society" Term Paper?

View All Our Example Effects and Usefulness of Freudian Analysis in Modern Society Term Paper

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

At the root of these controlling mechanisms, he thought, is the prohibition against incest. He further speculated that this taboo had its genesis in the guilt stemming from the murder of a powerful patriarch.

While there is still much controversy and disagreement about the significance of his views, Freud firmly believed that "... psychoanalytic theory also had much to contribute to the understanding of other areas of social life - including the origins of human society and religious belief, and the causes of war and oppression."

Mann 5)

In this study, views of Freud's theory of repression in relation to society will be explored, referring to theorists such as Karl Mannheim and others.

Other aspects related to his psychoanalytic theories will also be dealt with, including various post-Freudian views of society.

A central focus will be the problem of culture and the way in which Freud perceived cultural problems. Furthermore it is important to assess the Freudian analysis of society in terms of the criticism of his theories of the unconscious and repression.

A there is no doubt that Freud and other psychoanalytic theorists have been rather overzealous in their attempts….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Effects And Usefulness Of Freudian Analysis In Modern Society" (2004, August 04) Retrieved May 20, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/effects-usefulness-freudian-analysis-modern-176285

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Effects And Usefulness Of Freudian Analysis In Modern Society" 04 August 2004. Web.20 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/effects-usefulness-freudian-analysis-modern-176285>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Effects And Usefulness Of Freudian Analysis In Modern Society", 04 August 2004, Accessed.20 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/effects-usefulness-freudian-analysis-modern-176285
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example